Police hail community support after during hurricane winds

A SENIOR police officer acknowledged the 'overwhelming' support from the Cheshire East public during the worst week of storms to hit the north west of England since records began.

The storm that shook the county last Wednesday evening, put ‘significant pressure’ on police resources, said chief inspector, Paul Carroll, who praised the support offered to police by residents and other members of the East Cheshire communities as they battled the elements to keep the public and road users safe from harm.

“The impact on our road network was significant. The closure of Thelwall viaduct meant that all the arterial routes across the county were affected and drivers were thwarted from seeking alternative routes by flood water and falling trees.

“The force coordinated the emergency response across the region with officers on the ground facing the worst of the strong winds and heavy rain as serious incidents rapidly developed.

“In the face of adversity, we saw the public of Crewe, Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Congleton and all our outlying villages, come forward to assist our officers and PCSO’s as they battled the elements to help communities who were in trouble.”

“They were given practical assistance, as well as very much welcomed cups of tea!”